While olive oil is famous around the world for the number of benefits it offers, the olive leaf extract is less well known for impressive health effects that can make it a valuable addition to your diet.

Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of an olive plant. It contains an active ingredient called oleuropeinTrusted Source. This nutrient is thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of olive leaf extract.

You may have heard how a Mediterranean diet has been linked to a decrease in chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. This is thought to be due to the focus on olive oil, leaves, and fruit in the diet. It’s been used as traditional medicine for centuries in countries like Greece, Morocco, and Tunisia. The most important health benefits of olive leaf extract include its ability to protect against cancer, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood sugar fluctuation, improve brain function, and strengthen immunity. It also helps to lose weight, improve the appearance of the skin, and treat arthritis and herpes breakouts.

Studies using olive leaf extracts have found that they protect the heart by lowering high blood pressure and preventing the formation of plaques in arteries, lower glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity, improve symptoms of arthritis, and may even prevent and treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.